Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 10/27/2011

Question
hello, I am active duty navy and I may be separating soon due to BCA failure. I have talked to a Airforce reserve and I wanted to know what could would I need from the navy to be able to join the airforce reserve after. I am within standards for the airforce reserve at this time.

Answer
Antionette,
If you meet the physical standards it's fairly easy to do.

If you have previously served in the military, to join the Air Force Reserve you must make the magic number of 40. Subtract your years of active duty and/or active reserve from your age, and if the result is less than 40, you may be eligible to join the Reserve.

No matter the branch of the military in which you served, you can join the Air Force Reserve. That includes other Reserves and National Guards.

Basic Training

If you have previous military experience, Basic Training is usually waived when you join the Reserve.

You can:
1.  Transfer directly from active duty.
2.  Keep your rank. In most cases, you will retain the rank earned in your previous branch of service, or at most only lose 1 stripe.
3.  You don't need to repeat Basic Training.
4. Live at home. You will join the Air Force Reserve unit of your choice. Through the course of your career, you will not be transferred to another location unless you request it.
5.  Earn a second paycheck. Your job in the Air Force Reserve is part-time. That gives you time to build a civilian career or continue your education full time. The Reserve offers competitive pay, and that amounts to a nice second paycheck.
6.  keep Low-cost health insurance. The Air Force Reserve is offering inexpensive health care insurance for the Reservists and members of his or her immediate family. This can be a significant cost savings through TRICARE, a program which is offered to those on Active Duty as well.
7.  Get discounted shopping. Remember shopping at the Commissary and those BX privileges? These are available to you as a Reservist.
8.  Have Education assistance. Education is encouraged in the Reserve. The Montgomery GI Bill is available, and it is non-contributory. The Reserve also offers a 100 percent Tuition Assistance program. You can earn credits toward an Associates Degree at the Community College of the Air Force, and, again this is free as is specialized training that may help you earn valuable licenses, such as FAA Certificates. Some training, such as pilot's training, that may not be available on Active Duty, may be available in the Reserve. And, there can also be special bonuses and incentives available to those going into critically needed areas.
9.  Keep Retirement benefits. Your retirement benefits continue to grow. The time you serve in the Air Force Reserve is added to your time already served on Active Duty or in other Reserve or National Guard units.
10.  Get Life insurance. The Reserve offers low cost life insurance programs.

It's a good part-time job that allows you to hold onto the best of military life while starting or continuing your civilian career.
You need to do this ASAP.  A recruiter only has a small quota for prior service folks like you.

You will need to see an AF Reserve recruiter right away.  To locate one near you, see the web site:
http://afreserve.com/?:Locator

Thanks for your Service,
Colonel H